fables folktales · Ages 6-8

The Frog Who Wanted to Be as Big as an Ox

A frog puffs herself up to seem bigger than an ox and learns that envy can make a small problem dangerous.

The whole story

1. At sunrise, Fern the frog watched an ox graze beside the pond. The ox was broad, sturdy, and taller than the buttercups.

2. “I wish I were as big as that ox,” Fern said. She spread her little arms as wide as they would go.

3. Her friend Dabble the duck tilted his head. “You are small,” he said, “but you can leap farther than I can.”

4. Fern watched the ox pull down a branch with one slow tug. Her pebble felt heavy in her hand.

5. Fern puffed her cheeks. “I can be big too.” Dabble lowered his wing. “Fern, perhaps you should not.”

6. Fern filled herself with air. Her blue ribbon stretched tight, and her toes began to wobble.

7. A breeze tickled Fern’s flower. She held her breath to stay huge, but her little body tipped sideways.

8. Fern landed in the soft grass. The ox had stepped back, but the small problem had nearly become a big one.

9. Fern let out her breath and picked up her pebble. Then she leaped clean over a puddle and caught a dragonfly’s sparkle.

10. The ox was still big, and Fern was still small. Fern smiled at her little feet. They were exactly the right size for her.

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